by AnnMarie McGovern-Theriault

Created on: January 25, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2009

The walls are closing in, just the simple tick tock of the wall clock is making you insane. It's time to find a babysitter for your new baby, and you are frightened. You are wondering if your baby is ready for a sitter. Are you? Your baby is as ready as you are, that is as long as you find an experienced sitter that you trust. In fact, if you wait too long your family will face a whole gamut of terrible separation anxiety issues. The sooner you indulge in a sitter the better. Let your child enjoy the company of a new face. For you it will give you a renewed freedom. It will be an experience that will be good for both of you, and your spouse too.

First find someone who knows you well and is willing to come to the house while you are home so you can observe that person with your child. You can give them the opportunity to understand the baby's cues, and share some helpful hints. Babies do not come with manuals. If you breast feed the baby you might want to pump enough milk and allow the new sitter to feed the baby with you present. That way you can be sure they know when stop to burp the baby. Only you know the perfect way to feed your child. You can find out some details about availability and feel out the sitter to be sure they are comfortable caring for small children such as yours. At this time you might want to set some other ground rules about caring for your child, depending on the age of the sitter. Show the sitter alternative exits to your house and how the locks or security systems work in your house. Your child is your most precious possession, be sure you are secure enough to enjoy a night out before you try to make plans.

Once you find the perfect sitter you are ready to go. Leave numbers to be reached along with doctor's name and number too. It is also a good idea to make a permanent log beside the phone with emergency numbers including insurance I.D., numbers for the police, fire department, and poison centers. Though the sitter may not need numbers like this at this time while your baby is small, it's still a good idea for them to be acclimated with where you keep numbers, where the phone is, and other safety equipment.

Use your intuition. If you are uncomfortable with a sitter, your instincts are usually right. If your baby doesn't feel well, don't assume that a sitter is equipped with the patience to comfort a sick crying baby and cancel plans. Your baby wants to be with you when they are feeling sick. Also, leave extra food for the baby. Accidents can happen; formula and breast milk can spill. Babies sometimes are incredibly hungry when Mommy is out. Also, be sure to have beverages and snacks for the sitter. If you keep a sitter happy they are likely to return when you need them again. Enjoy your time away. You deserve a break. A little time away makes happy parents and teaches your baby to be secure and trust that you will always come back home to them as well.

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